Knowing If Your Property Is Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian
Like in every country the UK has a mixture of architectural styles from ultra-modern homes to periodic Victorian and Edwardian homes. Have you ever thought what period your home was built in? We will help you to understand the period your home was built in and how you can see the difference in the types of properties.
Georgian Properties
The main characteristics of a Georgian property are…
- Usually three or four storeys
- Sash windows/ taller windows
- Render is usually white or cream
- Built around garden
Quite often with Georgian properties there will be a bricked-up window. This was a characteristic caused by the window tax levied on homeowners between 1696 and 1851. The window tax was in place of income tax and the more windows there were in a property, the bigger the property was and the more money the owner typically had. To help avoid paying inflated tax rates, homeowners would block up their windows to reduce the amount of tax that they had to pay. Many Georgian house owners decided to leave the windows blocked rather than reinstate them, therefore this is one of the main features that sets a Georgian house apart from the rest.
Victorian Properties
Some of characteristics of a Victorian property are…
- Different coloured brickwork
- High pitched roof
- Long, narrow hallways
- Fireplace in every room
- Large bay windows which were usually turned into window seats
- Stained glass
Under the rule of Queen Victoria I the Victorian period was ranging from 1837 to 1901. During this period people who typically owned a Victorian house were wealthy landowners and middle-class workers. When the Industrial Revolution took place there was an increase in terraced houses, including back to backs. These houses were built extremely close together and were located close to factories for workers to be able to easily access them and work.
Edwardian Properties
What are the main characteristics of an Edwardian property?
- Red brickwork
- Wooden framed porch
- Wide, bright rooms
- Simple decorative features
- Houses in a straight-line
The Edwardian period took place from 1901 to 1910 and the houses were a much simpler design than the Georgian and Victorian periods. Builders were forced to build Edwardian homes in the suburbs where there was more space. Therefore, unlike darker Victorian homes, the style of the Edwardian homes were more squat and a lot wider with more windows.
For more information about our building services such as conversions, garden rooms, extensions, renovations or new builds, get in contact with our team by calling 01748529700.
Arcadia Builders In Northallerton – Our Tips For Preparing Your Home For Autumn
Sweater weather is very nearly here so it is important to start preparing for the autumnal months. As much as we need to prepare ourselves, we also need to prepare our home to ensure that the different seasons don’t have an effect on what we can do. When having your own home there are lots of preparations that you may not have thought about. As experienced builders in Northallerton, we can provide you with our tips for preparing your home.
Check Your Gutters
It’s no secret that leaves can cause problems. As much as they create a beautiful, crunchy carpet outside they can also have an impact on how businesses operate and our drains. If your gutters become full of leaves and we experience heavy downpours, the British weather is unpredictable, you could end up with a blocked drain. Gutters and drains allow thousands of gallons of water to pass through them yearly so they could do with some TLC. If they become clogged up, you could damage the interior of your home with damp patches or floods.
Move Your Outdoor Furniture
It is so lovely to spend time outdoors in the summer months and enjoy our outdoor furniture, however during the colder months you don’t want to ruin your furniture. Bring it inside, store it in your garage so that it is in a sheltered, dry place. You spent money buying the furniture and took time to build it so don’t let it be ruined. If you don’t have enough space to store the furniture some place dry, you can purchase a waterproof cover that will protect the material during all kinds of weather storms.
Stop The Drafts
Autumn and winter are a cold enough time of the year, so if you have drafts coming from under the doors or windows, now is the time to block these up so you can keep warm all year. Heat loss through windows is responsible for around 25% of heating energy use. One way to check if there is a draft issue in your home is to close a window or door on a piece of paper and if it can slide through you will need to have to take a closer look at what the issue is.
Don’t delay it any longer, prepare your home for autumn! Our expert team of builders in Northallerton can help you to improve your home with a new kitchen, extension, renovation, conversion or even build you a BRAND NEW house! Contact us today on 01748 529700 or email enquiries@arcadiabuilders.co.uk.
What You Should Consider Before Renovating Your Home
Many homeowners across the North East either consider renovating their home or carry out a full home renovation. Quite often many of them reach the end of the renovation process and have fallen at a few hurdles because there were a number of things they didn’t know before they started. It is also advised that you put together a plan of what needs carrying out and any deadlines you have for contractors.
Without the correct preparation, there can be many disappointing aspects along the way as you are not starting this process with a clean slate. You already have the foundations, its building on them to create your dream property.
Creating A Realistic Timeline
If your renovation takes longer than expected, you will be disappointed as it will cost you more money and more frustration. Removing existing elements from your property such as stud walls, kitchen or bathroom units can take a few hours, yet locating new appliances to replace the ones you have removed could take weeks if not months for them to be designed manufactured, delivered, and installed. Therefore, speak with your contractors and team to set a realistic timeframe and budget.
Expect the Unexpected
Within every home there are always going to be a few surprises and hidden elements that you weren’t aware of. It could be something like a builder saying that your floor is uneven or there is a pipe that can’t be moved. The older the property is the more you need to be preparade for the unexpected. To prepare for things like this, allow extra time for the work to be carried out and keep in contact with your team as they will be able to tell you if things are being slowed down.
Be Confident With Your Design
As soon as you start the process of renovating your property, meet with your interior designer, collaborate on ideas and look at inspiration of what you like and what you don’t. Knowing what direction you would like to go in with your design will allow your interior designer to know exactly what route you would like to go down and what your vision is.
The Arcadia Builders team are friendly, professional and experts when it comes to building. Our services include kitchens, renovations, new builds, extensions, garden rooms and conversions. Call 01748529800 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
Recharge Your Kitchen With Arcadia
The style and layout of a kitchen is vital for the overall aesthetic of your property. A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular home improvements to be carried out. Not only does it create extra space for you to enjoy but it can also add extra value to your home. Plus, if your family is growing but you love your home and don’t want to move, a kitchen extension can provide you with the extra living space you are looking for.
With our kitchen services, we can work with you from concept to completion and create a kitchen that you love!
Thoughtful Layouts
Depending on the shape and style of your property will depend on the layout of your kitchen and what you can do to create extra space. An open-plan, modern kitchen and dining space will create a light, bright and welcoming environment where it flows into your garden creating an orangery like feel.
Towards the end of 2020, the Arcadia team carried out a small kitchen extension for a customer in Croft on Tees. This looks absolutely fabulous! Just a small extension like this can completely transform your home.
Form a Relationship With The Outdoors
If you are considering a kitchen refurbishment or extension, it is often the ideal room to add a glass extension to so that you can enjoy family time looking out into your garden or in summer open the doors and make the outside part of your living area too. A glass extension will make your kitchen feel a lot more open and less enclosed, meaning it is the perfect space for a family as you can be busy in the kitchen while your children are outdoors playing in the garden area.
Create a Safe, Reliable Layout
When you are living in a family home and you have children, you will need to think about the most efficient layout. This may be through adding overhead cupboards rather than free standing units, and carefully thinking about where you place your appliances so they are in a place where children can’t get to. Simple things such as placing your fridge to one side near the entrance to the room will create a bigger feeling to the kitchen but it will also mean that others can access the fridge without being in the way.
As well as our kitchen services we can also help you renovate, extend, create a garden room and much more. Our team are experts when it comes to building and making your dream become a reality. Call us on 01748 529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
Transform Your Outdoor Space Ready For Summer
The height of summer is just around the corner and there are many ways that you can make the most of your outdoor space. Whether you have a large, lavish garden or something that is simple and elegant there are a few simple elements you could add which will make all the difference to your garden. In this blog we are going to provide you with some top tips for transforming your garden.
Perfect Pergolas
Pergolas have continued to rise in popularity over the last few years as they provide your outdoor space with a room like feel. Having a roof above you can give you the feeling of an outdoor dining room that you can use all throughout the summer months with your family and friends. And now that restrictions are lifting, it could be ideal time to have a pergola installed. Plus, you could even position it over your outdoor sofas for the extra warm days.
Add Colour and Texture
There is nothing better than a bright, blossoming garden that you can look at when you are spending time outdoors in the sunshine. Often, adding colour to your garden will completely transform the look on its own, giving it a full, beautiful look. Whether you add multiple pots or you fill a raised bed, there are multiple options for planting flowers in your garden.
Freshen Your Fence
Similar to the way a lick of paint can change the way a room looks, a new coat can give your garden a new lease of life. You can apply paint, stain or a waterproof sealer to your fence and it will provide it with some much needed TLC. Over the recent years, many people have become more adventurous and painted their fence bright colours! Is this something you would consider?
Arcadia Builder have over 30 years’ experience providing home extensions, renovations, garden rooms and conversions. Whether you are looking for a simple refurbishment or something more complex like a new build call us on 01748 529700 or visit:
Kitchen Design Trends 2021
Throughout 2020, there were multiple different kitchen trends, from navy cupboards to copper accents and accessories. This year we have already seen new design trends which we absolutely love! In this blog we are going to discuss some of our favourite kitchen trends to help give you inspiration for your home.
Hot Water Taps
There’s no denying, sometimes putting the kettle on to boil feels like you’re running a marathon and takes a long time. But now, you can get boiling water on demand wit Hot Water Taps. These taps have been sought after by many through the early stages of 2021 as they make not only cooking easier but also making yourself a hot drink. With boiling water at the turn of a tap, we can see why these taps are in high demand.
Smart Storage
There is nothing better than a tidy kitchen. In the last year we’ve all had the time to declutter and change the way we store our items. Using smart storage in the kitchen means that you can have drawers within cupboards whilst keeping the aesthetic of your kitchen. We have seen many people across the UK adding larders to their kitchens to allow them more space for their items. A tidy kitchen means a tidy mind.
Green Green Everywhere
2020 was all about navy blue. Now, 2021 is all about green. Whether it is cabinets or tiles, forest and emerald green tones are featuring in thousands of homes. Green creates a dramatic and luxurious finish when used in the kitchen and we think that it looks stunning! The green shades can help to balance out lighter shades within the home too.
At Arcadia Builders, we offer a number of building solutions including Garden Rooms, Extensions, New Build projects and much more. If you would like more information about our services, call 01748 529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
How To Maximise Your Garden Space
With the COVID-19 pandemic controlling the majority of the last year, it has been difficult for everyone to maintain a normal lifestyle. If the pandemic has shown us anything it is that any outdoor space that we have we should cherish and not take for granted. Throughout 2020 and the beginning of 2021, many people have felt confined because they haven’t been able to leave their home for anything that isn’t essential. For those who have a minimal garden space, it is the perfect opportunity to make it feel less cramped and more useable. We are going to share with you some of our tips on how to make your garden area feel more spacious and create an outdoor space you can enjoy.
Create Zones
Creating different zones within your garden can help to give the illusion of extra space. Similar to when you are having plans drawn up for any building work, create your own plans that have certain zones for different elements of your garden. You may find that designing a flower area that is separate to your outside seating will make your garden feel less cramped and more spacious. The zones will create an organised feel to your garden allowing you to perfectly position everything.
Vertical Plants
When you only have a small amount of room available, but you are a lover of nature and love having plants in your garden, you may feel that you have to compromise, right? Wrong… To create more space for furniture and socialising plant vertically instead of lining up lots of pots. Planting living walls or hanging baskets will minimise the need for raised beds and cluttering your floor space. With no borders in your garden, you can use this space for furniture, outdoor rugs or any other garden accessories you would like to include.
Storage Seating
If space is an issue but seating is a necessity, furniture that is perhaps bespoke or has been cleverly created to have different purposes such as a bench that you can lift up with storage underneath, will save you space both inside and outside your home. Built-in garden furniture that can also be used as storage for cushions, rugs or your gardening tools will allow you to free up space inside your home and leave the exterior look neat and tidy.
At Arcadia Builders, we offer a range of building solutions to the North East including Garden Rooms, Extensions and New Build projects. For more information about how our services could help you make home improvements, call our team on 01748529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
Why Are New Build Homes So Popular?
Did you know that 11% of homes in the UK are new builds? Over recent years new build homes have become increasingly popular in all parts of the UK and we understand why people prefer to build their own home. At Arcadia Builders we take great pride in ensuring that the new build homes we build are modern, sleek and hassle free. In this blog we are going to discuss why people like to build their own new build houses.
Modern Living
The majority of new build houses are all top-spec and have the latest technology installed. Many new build home providers offer smart home features as a standard as well as state of the art, luxury open plan layouts allowing you to have a spacious home for entertaining guests or growing your family.
Cost of Bills
All new build homes must comply with the latest building regulations which therefore means that they are energy efficient, more so than older properties. Data shows that over 80% of new homes have the highest A or B rating which compares to just 2.2% of existing properties that are on the market.
Warranty
When new build homes are sold, many of them come with a warranty which you do not get with other properties that are for sale. Generally, when you buy a new build home you will receive a 10-year insurance policy that protects buyers from structural defects. Plus, it is now also a condition of most mortgage applications that a structural warranty is in place for new build properties.
At Arcadia Builders, we offer a range of services including New Builds, Kitchens, Renovations, Extensions, Garden Rooms and Conversions. If you are looking for a trusted, reliable builder, call our team on 01748529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
Transform Your Home In 2021
As we begin 2021 with a winter lockdown, many people are using this time to plan for the year ahead. Using our services such as renovations, extensions and new builds our team can help your dream home become a reality. Whether you are looking for a new kitchen or would like to build a property from scratch, Arcadia Builders are here to help.
Extensions
2021 could be the perfect time to think about enhancing your home through adding an extension, leaving you with more space to utilise. This high-end extension will not only add a charming feature to your home, but it will also add value and be more attractive to potential buyers. Our team strive to bring your visions to life and create a stunning innovative room.
Kitchens
The layout and design of your kitchen play a vital role in the overall aesthetic of your property. No matter the style of kitchen you like, classic and contemporary or modern and sleek, our team will source furniture, worktops and units at fantastic prices that match your requirements. From concept to completion, our team will work closely with you to design your dream kitchen.
Conversions
With many years of experience in barn conversions, Arcadia Builders are extremely passionate about providing you with a professional service, quality structure and exceptional results. If you are looking to convert a barn, your dream can become a reality with our exquisite craftmanship.
If you are looking for trusted and reliable builders, get in contact with our team to find out more information. Call us on 01748 529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk
Our Tips For Renovating Your House
People often renovate a house to make it feel more like a home. Through renovations you can create a stunning home and add value to it. In this blog we are going to discuss our tips for renovating a house.
Effective Planning
Effective planning is key to any renovation or build phase. You need to focus on the bigger picture and overall goals as well as the smaller parts. Assessing your requirements and knowing everything you need to do allows the process to be a lot smoother. Create a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’ as this will allow you to see what your budget allows for.
Work out your timeline and work towards a date. We know that deadlines can’t always be met due to suppliers and other elements of the build being delayed. However, having a date for you and your builders to work towards will help you to visualise the process.
Research
It is so important to look at furnishings you can buy during the renovation stage. When you are on-site you may think that a certain piece of furniture wouldn’t work well where it was originally going to be placed. By researching in advance, you know you can shop online for items throughout the whole renovation stage and you may even be able to buy some items in the sale.
Think Carefully About Painting
Did you know that the colour you paint a room can affect the lighting? Dark colours can often make a room too dark and no lighting solution would be able to make the room lighter again. It is important to think about colours and what is going to help enhance the room before you actually paint it.
At Arcadia Builders we offer a range of services including kitchens, renovations, new builds, extensions and more. You can learn more about our services by calling 01748 529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk